Wheel.



Hamilton and St'ate of Ohio, have invented STATES PATENT JOHN N.. STBIE'IELMEIER, or" CINCINNATI, oHIO; Ass'IGNORQTO 'THE IDEAL WHEEL COMPANY, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, A CoBI'ORA'r-IONOF OHIO. A

WHEEL.

Speciicationiof Iietters Patent.

Application filed J une 8, 1911. vserial No.-31,9 05.

Be it known thatgI, JOHN VE, S'rnm'rnn-V4 MEI'ER, av citizen ofthe United States, anda resident of Cincinnati, 'in thecounty yor certain` new and useful :Improvements in Wheels, ,of 'which the following is a specii cation.

My invention relates to improvements in theconstruction of 'Wheels for various purposes andmOreparticularly for use upon automobiles and-other conveyances.

.The-object of my invention is to provide a strong, compact, neat, efficient, durable, resilient wheel either- With yor -Without a cushion or pneumatic tire..J

. of the springs to the rim With theseandother objects in View, 'my invention consistsin a Wheel comprising a rim, a hubl a series of springs each engaging the adjacent springvon one sidejthereofa part 'of its length, and engaging theadjacent spring on the other side thereof apart of its length at itsother end, and means for securing saidA spring spokes in firm, fixed relation With said hub and'rim respectively.

My -invention also .consists in' providing springspokes curved intermediate of their ends, and provided with an angular extension upon each end, clamps adapted to engagesaid extensions, and bolts andA nuts Aadapted to secure said clamps to said hub and rim respectively.

My invention 'also consists in the parts, and in the peculiar construction, combination and arrangement of parts as herein set forth and claimed. y

In the drawing which serves to illustrate the construction and arrangement of my invention -as applied to a Wheel: Figure 1 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section, the tire being omittedA fromthe sectional .part Fig. 2 is a sectional view. Figs.j3 and 4 are perspective views of one of theA clamps for securing the springs to the hub, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a pairl of' clamps used in securing the ends of the Wheel. Fig. 6 is a perspective viewnof one ofthe spring spokes.` Y

In the embodiment of my invention. as\

illustrated andl which shows aj'preterred con- Patented .i l

struction of -vvheel which' is" especially-- adapted for-use upon an automobile, 1 repre' 'sents the Wooden'rim of the wheel, and'2` the metallic hub. The flat, resilient, metallic spring spokes curved between their ends sion' or flange 4 'and 5 at their i'nnerand `are each provided with an 'angular extenouter endsrespectively to serve as retaining.

members. The flange 4 of each spring spoke 8- isl provided with semi-circular notches l and each flange 5 is provided 'with an opening-5.

spokes will engage eachother at their outer into engagement with' other similar spring spokes, sald .engagement extending over a of said spring spokes. The spring spokes 3 The curvature of the several springs comprising the spring spokes `of a vWheel made in accordance with my invention is such that the two adjacent springv or rim ends a short distance of their length, and then diverge awayfrom each other and ,considerabledistance of the inner Aportions are preferably formed substantially flatin f cross section, and taper from the hub-to the rim, as clearly shown in Fig.'2. lhe spring spokes are disposed with their lat'longitudi# nal dimensions transversely of the rim `and .hub respectively.

A clamp 6 comprising a segmental plate,

the flanges thereof to clamp them to the recesses 12 upon opposite-sides and the bote tom thereof, for the purpose of forming, in-

connectionl 4with the recess in the adjacent* cla1np,'a channell to receive -and hold each spring spoke from lateral movement.` l p i Clamps` 13 having lugs 1 4 adaptedltoform' recesses. between each pair vof said clamps to receive the outer Or rim ends of.

the spring spokes aresecured to the rim by means of ears 15, bolt s17 passing' through bolt holesl 16 and secured by. nuts'lS.y

The formation ofthe lugs and corresponding intervening recesses upon the hub and rim'clamps respectively provide n eiicient means for holding both'ends ofi-the 10.0.k

soy having ribs 7 and bolt openings 8 is adapted to be placed between the sprmgs and upon fiat spring spokes' tightly in' position and against lateral or sidewise movement relatively to the clamps, hub and rim.

The construction of wheels made `in accordance with my invention enables me to secure a maximum of strength and resiliency with a minimum of parts, and provides the greatest facility for easily, quickly and conveniently assembling the parts into operative position, and of removing a broken part and replacing thesame if such a contingency should arise, without the use of special tools or skill.

It will be observed that both ends of each spring being lianged and curved with a clamp securely bolted thereon, effects an absolutelylsecure fastening, and that. the adjacent lugs offeach pair of clamps engage each other and form slotsv or channels through which the ends of the spring spokes pass and are held from movement in any direction. This construction is convenient and prevents'the dirt or dust or other substance from accumulating to mar the beauty or usefulness of the wheel. The same is true of the construction both of the hub and the rim fastenings.

The formation of Aeach pair of spring` spokes is substantially straight during a considerable length thereof from the hub outwardly,-so that a spring spoke pair of spring spokes a spring of the next pair over a considerable port and thus each affords a brace or support for the other, so that the entire series being supported and braced in this manner a substantially unitary bracing and yielding -fi'i'ect is obtained, whereby when there is pressure or yielding upon any one part of wheel, the same will be uniformly dis- ".iuted throughout the wheel, so as to minimfiz. the strain upon the parts separately and permit the force of a jar or strain 'to be borne by allof the spring spokes. This construction providing for said engagement of the adjacent springs of the'` several pairs ot' spring spokes respectively, being at .the inner or central part of the wheel, isnot liable to accumulate any dust or dirt particles between. said spokes, and said spring spokes converging toward each other from near their centralpart outwardly and engaging each other at the end s. where they are secured .to the rim by and between the clamps effects a neat and eiicient construction of the springs and connection thereof to the rim. This particular construction is not only neat and attractive in appearance, but by'reason of its simplicity and fewness of parts, reduces liability of contact with mud to the minimum.

The flanged end construction of the spring spokes which are clamped and bolted in of each the adjacent .i spring spokes ion of its length position affords an absolutely sure and safe connection of the spring spokes to the. hub and rim respectively, and one which is. easily effected, both in the. the Wheel and in the replacing of any parts thereafter.

my invention is extremely light, strong, resilient and durable, and can be constructed more economically than' otherwise.

While I have shown eight pairs of spring spokes in the Wheel as illustrated, these may be varied in number, size and shape as may be desired, the number depending greatly upon the size of the wheel and also the strength of the wheel desired. It is noteworthy that these spokes are characterized by a pronounced Vwidth compared ,with the wheel dimensions; to wit: in the embodiment illustrated the average Width of each .spring is not materially less than-one-ifth the distance from the wheel-axis to the inner periphery of the rim,.a1id these wheelelements are all located in the same plane and each emerge radially in straight portions at the point of attachment to the hub and are convergingly shaped in pairs to form a series of loop-like spokes.

Wheels constructed in' accordance with my invention are not only desirable for use onv automobiles, butv also for vehicles of various kinds, including railway and trac tion cars as well as for pulleys and may be used to, great advantage for use on aeroplanes, as the use of same will greatly ease the shock in landing.

Various modilications .of my invention may be made without departing from its spirit or scope, and I do not, therefore, wish to be limited to the exact construction shown.

I claim:

l. A spring Wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub, a rim, a plurality of leaf springs of approximately the same width throughout each equal in width to the huby and each radiating in the same plane from hub Ato the rim, said springs being conversely arranged in pairs, having their hub ends widely separated and their rim-ends close together to form a series of looped spokes each having a circumfercntially wide base at the hub `and convergingtogether at the rim; each loop `formeel by said spokes having itsmaximum width approximately midway the periphery` of' the hub and the rim. i

2. A resilient wheel' of the nature disoriginal assembling of.

the springs of each pairv 17o. A wheel constructed in' 4accordance with closed, combining a rim, a hub and a series of spring-spokes, each composed of two homologous spring-units arranged edgewiseto the plane of the wheel and s vmmetrically related to the radial center-line of the two-part spring-spoke, the two units forming each spoke being widely spaced at 20A .Width approximately midway. the periphthe hub and converging toward one another at the rim, each spring-unit having at its hub-enda flange directed toward said center-lineV and at its rim end a flange directed -away from said center-line, and means pressing in a radial direction on said flanges for. securing said lflanges to the rim and hub respectively.' A i 3. A spring wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub, a rim, a plurality of leaf vsprings each equal in width to the hub and'each radiating from the hub to the rim, said springs being conversely arranged in pairs, the springs ofe'ach pair havingftheir radial hub-portions Widely separated and their rim-ends close together to form a-series of looped-spokes each having a circumferentially Wide base at the hub and Vconverging together at the rim; each lloop formed'by said spokes having its maximum ery of the hub` and thevrim;l each`of said springs' terminating at the hub and rim in laterally extending flanges, and meansv drawing' said flanges radially toward said hub and rim respectively.

4. Ay resilient Wheelfof the nature disclosed, combining a rim, a hub and a series of spring-spokes, each composed of two homologous spring-units symmetrically Irelated to the radial centerfline of the springlspoke, the two units forming each spoke being widely spaced at the hub and converging toward one another. at the rim, each spring unithaving at its hub end a flange -directed toward said center-line and at its rim end a flange directed along the inner periphery of the rim, and radially acting means for clamping said flanges to the rim and hub respectively.

5. A resilient Wheel of the nature (lisclosed, combining a rim, a hub and a series of spring-spokes, each composed of two homologous spring-units symmetrically related to the -radial center-line of the springspoke, the twounits forming each spoke belng'widely spaced at the hub and converging toward one another at the rim, each springunit having at its hub end a flange directed toward and terminating at said center-line and at its rim end having a flange directed `alongthe inner periphery of the rim, blocks the spring )spoke in'such manner that the opposite sideabuts against the adjoining spring spoke which is held by a similar fastening .member 'on its opposite. side, 'such fastening members being connected to said hub and rim by means of bolts and nuts.

7. A spring Wheel ofthe nature disclosed combining a hub, a rim, a pluralityof leaf I I spring-units each of' radial lengthl and allA the springfunits in said WheelA radiating in a common plane from the hub to. the rim, said springs taken in alternate succession being conversely arrangedvto form a4 series of looped twpart .spokes each having a ,circumferentially Wide base at the hub'and converging together 'atthe rim; .each loop formed by said spokes having its maximum Width approximately midwaythe periphery.

vof the hub and the rim.

8. A .resilient wheel of the nature disclosed, combining a rim, ahub and 'a series of spring-spokes, each composed of tvrofy homologous spring-units arranged edgewise to the plane of the WheelI and symmetrically related" to the radial centen-line of the spring-spoke, each springunit having at its hub-end a flange directed toward said center-line,'a radially movable block to clamp said flange onto said hub the ends of each.` pair of spring unitsrtaken in succession abutting one another at the rim, and means Vsa f for detachably` securing said ends tothe rim. Y

9. A spring wheel ofthe nature'disclosed combining a hub, arim, a plurality of'leaf spring-units each equal in. ividth to the hub and each spring-unit radiating from theA hub to the rim in the same radial plane, said springs being conversely l arranged in pairsv to form a series of two-part looped spokes each having a circumferentiallywide base at the hubA and progressively 4converging together at the rim; the ends of the spring units at each point of convergence4 beingv clamped together latwise, means at the rim,

forl detachably holding said ends in clamped relation to said rim; each of said springunits terminating at the hub in laterally extending flanges, and detachable means dravv` ing said flanges radially toward said hub.

10. A resilient WheelI of the nature 'disclosed, combining a rim, a hub andl a series vof spring-spokes, each composed of two homologousspring-units, symmetrically `related to the radial center-lineof the spring' spoke, the two units forming each spoke `be'- ing widely spaced at the hub and converging toward one another at the rim, each'l spring unit having'at its hub end a'flange directed toward said center-line and atk its` rim end aflange directed along the inner 'dially acting means for clamping said periphery of the, rim, and `detachable raflanges tothe rim and hub respectively.

11. A resilient wheel ofthe nature dis^' -directed along the inner periphery of the rim, detachable i blocks for backing said Hang'es to the rim and hub respectively, and

' radially disposed screw bolts for forcing said blocks in a radial direction.

12. A resilient wheel of the nature disclosed combining a hub,a rim, and an equispaced series of loop-like composite spokes, all radiating in the same plane therebetween, each spoke consisting of two homologous forward and rearsprings formed of Wide sheet metal conversely arranged edgewise to the plane of the wheel, and rigidly secured to the hub along axially parallel lines widely separated circumferentially Whereby'eaoh spoke has a wide'base both peripherallyand axially, said springs emerging radially from the hub and progressively curving toward the center line of their spoke and having their outer extremities terminating at an obtuse angle with the periphery of said rim,

the radial portion of the rear spring of each spoke vbeing flatwise in direct 'contact with the radial portion 0f the forward spring of the following spoke, and fastening means for securingv the two similar springs of each `spoke to the hub and rim'respectively.

13. A spring wheel of the naturedisclosed combining aV felly, a'hub, a series of pairs of spoke-fasteners equispaced around the inner periphery of the felly, each pair being composed of two similar closely adjacent fasteners secured to the felly and arranged at I the inner periphery thereof, an equalseries of pairs of resilient sheet-metal strips curved and symmetrically arranged edgewise to the plane'of the wheel to form loop-like Spokes, the one strip extending clock-wise around its 4fastener and the other strip extending anti-clockwise around its fastener, each -strip curving away from the radius line extending through its fastener,and then approaching the hub along a radius line extending midway` its fastener and the adjacent one of the neighboring pair, and means for'securing said strips to the hub.

14. A spring wheel of the nature disclosed combining a felly a hub, an equispaced succession of pairs o spoke-fasteners, each pair being composed of .two fasteners .mounted closely7 adjacent one another at the inner periphery of' the felly, an erger-, number of pairs of resilient sheet-metalv strips symmetrically arranged edgewise to the plane of the wheel to form loop-like spokes, each strip emerging radially from the hub along aline radially midway two pairs of fasten' -ers land progressively curving away fromV said line and finally extending between the' two fasteners composing. the adjacent pair and then following the contour of the ad'- jacent fastener to pass between the same and the felly, and means for securing'said strips p to said hub.

15. A spring wheel 'of the nature disclosed combining a hub, a felly, a series of looplike spring spokes, each formed of twov strips of flat metal having radial portions adjacent the felly extending in contact radially toward the hub and abruptly spreading apart at a short distance from theinnerperipherj)1 yof the felly and curving toward and approaching the hub with straight radial portions, the said two portions vofeaeh spoke being widely separated and each contacting back-to-back with the adjacent portion o? the adjacent spoke, a series of wedge-blocks,

each arranged between two widely separated portions, and fastening devices, each er1- gaging the contacting radial portions of the spoke-strips at the rim. 4

16. A spring wheel of closed combining a hub, a felly, vand spring spokes secured thereto, each made up of two portions widely separated at the hub and vthe .i nature i dis- I l at the felly radially opposite each block for.-

securing the closely adjacent spring-portions to the felly, and means for securing blocks in place.

17. A spring wheel ofthe nature disclosed combining a hub, a felly, a series of looplike spring spokes each formed of two strips of resilient metal converging together and terminating in portions at the felly in radial face-to-face contact, a fastening means circumscribing said radial portions, and means securing the strips to the hub.

18. A spring wheel of thefnature disclosed combining a hub, a felly, a fastening device retained at the felly and providing'an aperture extending radially, a pair' of sheet" metal vresilient spoke-elements having radial contacting. portions extending through said `aperture and retained against radial movement by said fastening device, said spokeelements curving abruptly apart upon emerging from said aperture and then immediately curving reversely and gradually 1,179,974 i' y .5f

and havingtheir hub-portions Widely separated,and means for securing saiclv spokeelements to the hub.

19. A spring `Wheel combining a h ub; a

.rimg' and a plurality, of sheet metal spn'ngs each radially emerging in straight portions from attachments to the hub, and then c onvergingly shaped in 4 pairs to form a series of loop-like '-spokeswall located in the same plane, the average Width of each spring be- 10 ing not materially less than one-fifth-the distance from `the Wheeleaxs to the inner peripheryof the rim.`

yWitnesses A JAMES N. RAMSEY,v WINONA DoAN.

JOHN E. STRIETELMEIER. f y), 

